Smriti Mandhana writes history, becomes first-ever batsman across men’s and women’s T20Is… | Cricket news
India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana added another milestone to her glittering career during the Women’s T20 World Cup match against Netherlands on Wednesday. The left-hander became the first player in men’s and women’s T20 Internationals to reach 600 runs, reaching the milestone while leading India’s attack with the bat. Mandhana continued her rich style with a fluent 74 off 47 balls, registering her second consecutive fifty-plus score in the tournament. She found an able partner in Shafali Verma, who smashed 55 off 38 deliveries to score her maiden half-century of the competition.The opening duo dominated the Dutch attack and formed a powerful partnership that lasted 115 runs off just 70 balls after the Netherlands elected to field first. India raced to 59 runs in a power play, with Shafali taking the aggressive route while Mandhana changed gears after fielding restrictions.
Openers lay the foundation
The Dutch bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, forcing captain Babette De Leyde to rotate his bowlers frequently. Shafali punished anything loose and produced some eye-catching shots, while Mandhana was at her best, using her feet effectively against pace and spin.The experienced opener accelerated further in the middle and hit four successive boundaries during the 15th over bowled by Silver Siegers.
India sets record in World Cup finals
After the departure of the opening two matches, Jemima Rodriguez and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur were unable to provide the finishing touch required. However, a late cameo from Richa Ghosh, who hit 20 off just eight balls, and Deepti Sharmawho smashed 10 runs off two deliveries, ensured that India maintained the momentum.India eventually finished on 209/5, their highest total in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Who impressed you the most in India’s recent match against the Netherlands?
The Indian team made two changes to the starting XI, bringing in Yastika Bhatia in place of Bharti Phulmali and giving Nandani Sharma a chance against Arundhati Reddy. Mandhana’s record knock and explosive opening stand gave India a commanding position in the contest.
